DAILY MESSAGES
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Hello, Greetings from Immanuel on this fine day.
Shattering Hope
Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels.
John 12:24
Today’s Bible Reading: John 12:23–26
Poppy seeds pop. Apple cores crash to the ground. Corn kernels crack. In nature, the very act of reproduction requires a seed to shed its hull and shatter its container. In her classic book, The Measure of My Days, playwright and author Florida Scott-Maxwell observes, “Life does not accommodate you, it shatters you. It’s meant to, and it couldn’t do it better. Every seed destroys its container or else there would be no fruition.”
The playwright’s observation reminds me of Jesus’ words as He approached His death in John 12. Sharing that the hour had come “for the Son of Man to enter into his glory” (v. 23), Jesus offered a kind of shattering hope to his listeners. “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels” (v. 24). His death would bring about life for many. Jesus erases any doubt by prefacing His point with the phrase, “I tell you the truth.”
God offers this shattering hope to us today, nudging us toward growth. Jesus goes on, “Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity” (v. 25).
Elisa Morgan
We all face sufferings, disappointments and losses. How might God bring about new life in us through the daily “deaths” we encounter?
Dear Lord, may I embrace the shattering hope You offer in my days, that I might see You reproduce more of You and Your desires in my life.
DAY 18
Shattering Hope
Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels.
John 12:24
Today’s Bible Reading: John 12:23–26
Poppy seeds pop. Apple cores crash to the ground. Corn kernels crack. In nature, the very act of reproduction requires a seed to shed its hull and shatter its container. In her classic book, The Measure of My Days, playwright and author Florida Scott-Maxwell observes, “Life does not accommodate you, it shatters you. It’s meant to, and it couldn’t do it better. Every seed destroys its container or else there would be no fruition.”
The playwright’s observation reminds me of Jesus’ words as He approached His death in John 12. Sharing that the hour had come “for the Son of Man to enter into his glory” (v. 23), Jesus offered a kind of shattering hope to his listeners. “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels” (v. 24). His death would bring about life for many. Jesus erases any doubt by prefacing His point with the phrase, “I tell you the truth.”
God offers this shattering hope to us today, nudging us toward growth. Jesus goes on, “Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity” (v. 25).
Elisa Morgan
We all face sufferings, disappointments and losses. How might God bring about new life in us through the daily “deaths” we encounter?
Dear Lord, may I embrace the shattering hope You offer in my days, that I might see You reproduce more of You and Your desires in my life.
Please continue to read the following information
Rev. Dr. Donald P. Kreiss, Bishop SEMI Synod Website
E-news from the office of the Bishop
SYNOD House Office Hours:
As congregations have been instructed to stay away from group gatherings, the Synod staff is also figuring out how to work safely. Please call 313.821.1055 to leave voice messages for staff - which are also emailed to us, or send emails directly by clicking on the names below. Our prayers continue with you.
Bishop Don Kreiss, Rev. Sean Ewbank, Ms. Beth Fisher,
Rev. Lauren Kirsh-Carr, Ms. Robin McCants
“I hereby command you: Be Strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Bishop Kreiss' 2nd Letter to SEMI Synod
This is the second of this series of regular communications from the Bishop’s Office during this time of pandemic. Again, please look for regular updates through Constant Contact, the Southeast Michigan Facebook page, (https://www.facebook.com/Semisynod/) as well as our webpage (https://semisynod.com).
🎉 ONLINE SMALL GROUPS 🎉
“As the Parent has loved me, so I love you. Abide in my love.” | John 15:9
During this time of crisis we are learning to abide in new ways. Join with young adults (18-35) all around the country once a week for small group fellowship, conversation, and prayer. Registration for Abide is now open! Look out for details on all our social media channels.
1. If you're 18-35 register on the Google form!
2. Group assignments and further details will be sent out Friday, Mar 27.
3. Group meetings will start the week of Monday, March 30!
If you have questions, please email ELCAYAsmallgroups@gmail.com.
The peace and blessing of God remain with you.
Savanna Sullivan, Program Director, ELCA Young Adult Ministries
ATTENTION Zoom Users - how to avoid "Zoom Bombing" on your Zoom Calls
Using Zoom is THE hot tool for congregations, friends and families to stay connected during this time of self-isolation. Unfortunately, there are still scammers and "trolls" out to jeopardize our engagement. This link provides more information to help you keep uninvited guests from your meetings.
"The host does not need to grant screen share access for another participant to share their screen.” However, hosts can disable this option in their settings or the Admin controls of a call. You can either change this in your pre-meeting Settings or in the in-call admin settings for Share Screen -> Advanced Sharing Settings.
ELCA Administration Matters Team
The ELCA has been receiving questions about the impact of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on congregations and other ministries. Our full communion partner, the United Church of Christ, has put together the attached memorandum and has generously allowed us to share it. We hope you find it helpful. If you have further questions, you should contact an accounting, tax, and/or legal professional.
Being Church in the Time of COVID-19 on April 1
FREE Virtual Offerings Hosted by ELCA Coaching Ministry
Greetings, ELCA Leaders. We pray you are each well and finding the solid ground of Christ in this time of fear and confusion.
Last week, ELCA Coaching Network hosted an opportunity for faith leaders across the country to gather online. It was well-received, and over the course of the 3 days, approximately 300 leaders were hosted in this virtual space!
(Note: we intend to post recordings of the presentations and follow-up documents on our website: elcacoaching.org)
The next virtual conference is Sharing Our Grief and Our Hope with Those We Serve, Wednesday, April 1. Click here for details and sign up information. And a helpful tool for Zoom users is this Zoom Hospitality document.
ELCA Social Statements - what is our policy?
The ELCA social statement, Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor, notes “threats to health do not respect national boundaries". The document "expresses ELCA teaching on health and the health care system. Its vision of health as a shared endeavor rests in a biblical view that wholeness is a blessing God intends for all people ... (which) is integral to the life and mission of the Church. Read more by clicking the link above.
How you can help!
Pastor Beth Birkholz (313) 400-3011 has offered opportunities to help while keeping you occupied at the same time.
· Put together COVID-19 Care Kits for the most vulnerable populations Samaritas serves. Click here for a flyer that lists all the details you need.
· Got Bored Kids? This flyer lists things your kids can do to help brighten someone's day.
· Click here to read more about Samaritas' practices during this pandemic.
Prayer petition: God of the ages, we pray for all those who are vulnerable in our Samaritas facilities in this time. We ask that you would call us to be the church outside our walls, and that you would show us how to help each other. Amen.
Michigan.Gov / Coronavirus
To combat the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, Governor Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. For at least the next three weeks, all Michigan businesses and operations must temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, and all Michiganders must stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family ... for up-to-date information, visit MI.Gov online.
ELCA Living Water Summer Camp "Hope & Confidence"
Despite the uncertainty in the world, Living Water Ministries is embracing the hope that the summer months will be filled with the sounds of campers growing in faith, learning to serve, practicing leadership, and forming community with one another. We also believe that once we are on the other side of this period of social distancing, the need to come together in community will be amplified. Right now, there are a lot of factors that threaten summer operations for camps
U.S. Census Forms are arriving
The 2020 Census is underway and is ready for America to respond. The first invitations should have arrived in the mail to an estimated 140 million household. Share this message and ask others to discuss the importance of this process, especially with those who are not normally counted: homeless, students, youth, etc. Plan to include everyone you expect to live in your home on April 1. You can respond online in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more. The ELCA offers this helpful CENSUS 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW poster to share as well.
Severe Blood Shortage Due To Coronavirus Outbreak
Please schedule an appointment to donate blood.
visit https://www.redcross.org/ for more information.
Matrix Human Services needs your support
We are desperately seeking help obtaining any of the items listed -- please drop off your donations at our Matrix Human Services Administration Office located at 1400 Woodbridge, Detroit, MI 48207
Tuesday, March 31st and Wednesday, April 1st
Between 10:00 a.m. to 2.p.m.
Requested items are: soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizers, wipes, disinfecting spray, cleaning supplies, paper towel, tissue, and other essentials. Families also need diapers, art supplies, outdoor play items like chalk and bubbles, cereal, thermometers, nebulizers, and more. Click here for more information.
Prayers of the Synod
Prayers of Grace & Support
Beth (Mark) Fisher mourns the death of her father Harry Steusloff.
Those who find themselves in isolation. Those who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Those who are suddenly unemployed due to work stoppage. Those who are considered at-risk and unable to be in the company of loved ones. Those in our prison systems.
Deployed military and the families left behind. Our nation's government and leaders and lawmakers. Immigrant children and their families. Grocery store employees, first responders, police, fire and medical personnel. All who advocate for water equality and other social injustices.
Prayers of Health & Healing
Prayers for those who are ill and those in need: Beth & Mark Fisher, Pr. Scott McKinney, Pr. Sharon Janot and continued prayers for: LLM Enoch Carlton; Pr Carey Mack; Pr Christine Thompson and Pr. Joyce Johnston (homebound), as well as Tamara Howes (sister of Pr. Sean Ewbank); Pr Lauren Kirsh-Carr's sister and mother, Pr. Bill & Sally Moldwin, LLM Mike & Pr. Mary Duerkson, Pr David Boone, Pr Maxcy Christmas, Pr Paul Gateman, Elaine (Pr Roger) Schleef and Pr Don Thomas.
Daily Bible Reading from ELCA
Daily Bible Reading
Ezekiel 36:8-15
8But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot out your branches, and yield your fruit to my people Israel; for they shall soon come home. 9See now, I am for you; I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown; 10and I will multiply your population, the whole house of Israel, all of it; the towns shall be inhabited and the waste places rebuilt; 11and I will multiply human beings and animals upon you. They shall increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited as in your former times, and will do more good to you than ever before. Then you shall know that I am the LORD. 12I will lead people upon you — my people Israel — and they shall possess you, and you shall be their inheritance. No longer shall you bereave them of children.
13Thus says the Lord GOD: Because they say to you, "You devour people, and you bereave your nation of children," 14therefore you shall no longer devour people and no longer bereave your nation of children, says the Lord GOD; 15and no longer will I let you hear the insults of the nations, no longer shall you bear the disgrace of the peoples; and no longer shall you cause your nation to stumble, says the Lord GOD.
News from the Council at ILC
In an effort to keep all our church members informed, we are posting emails and Facebook notices. However, not everyone is connected to the internet. Information packets will be mailed to those members of our congregation so they can stay connected and aware of what is happening with our Immanuel family. If you know of anyone who needs these packets, please notify the church office or Pat Keinath, 447-3096. The first of these packets will be mailed this week. Please check with your family member of friend to see if they got a packet. We don't want to miss anyone. Also should you know of anyone or if you need delivery of food items contact Pastor Leking, 517-673-0370.
If you have not gotten your Easter candy order form to the church or to Danielle, bring them to the church this Sunday, March 29. Pat Keinath and Danielle will be here at 11 AM to collect orders and payment.
If all goes well, Pastor should be telecasting live on D&P Communications channel 21 at 9 am this Sunday. He's working with D & P and waiting for orders to arrive so that this telecast can take place. Tune in and check it out.
Even though the church building is not being used at this time, don't forget to send your offering envelops in. We, the people, are the church, but the building still needs to be maintained.
Blessed to be a blessing,
Immanuel Lutheran Church Council
PK
CC
From Christian Counseling Center, St. Paul Lutheran, Blissfi
Just Breathe. It truly is that simple. I often tell clients that no matter what life throws at them they truly only have one requirement to get through it, and that is to breathe. Now try convincing someone who has a family member with the virus and the uncertainty of their fate to just breathe, or someone who lives alone and hasn’t left their home in 10 days to just breathe, or someone still working around the infected risking themselves to just breathe, or someone who is now unemployed without any saving to fall back on to just breathe, or the parent trying to work from home and occupy and comfort their children to just breathe, and lastly someone who knows they have been exposed and are terrified that this virus could potentially take away their ability to breathe, just breathe………I have been a counselor for 10 years and I have never navigated in such uncharted waters.
I want to address some of the things I am concerned about as a clinician during this Pandemic. And offer a few ways to cope.
Please pay attention to your mental and emotional health as well as your physical! It is a natural human condition to experience depression and anxiety when we are not in control. Pay attention to your emotions and mental state. It is normal for them to fluctuate in these uncertain times but we have control over how we respond! Even if you feel you do not have control over anything, you do have control of yourself. Do not react to your emotional state rather pause and respond rationally.
Check your Emotions: Are you responding to current situations? Or are you responding out of stress or fear of what is going on in the world? Just this, Just now.
Anxiety is state of inner turmoil. An uneasy feeling of uncertainty, worry, dread or agony. It is often accompanied by nervous feelings or behaviors. Anxiety is a future oriented state of being where the focus is on the unknown.
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activities. Often accompanied with lack of interest, loss of hope, sadness, loneliness(even around others), isolation, and avoidance of otherwise enjoyed activities. In extreme cases thoughts of self- harm or suicide may exist.
Watch your body for cues you are experiencing anxiety or depression: Rapid heart rate, over heating or sweating, lack of focus, forgetfulness, nausea, change in appetite, headaches, muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, insomnia or excessive sleeping, irritability and uncontrollable crying. These are all physical symptoms of Anxiety or Depression which are very common during times like this. When you notice these symptoms stop, acknowledge it, pray about it and then do something to care for yourself.
So What can you do?
Self Care: Pray! STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS (still following the CDC recommendations of course) We are each other’s greatest resource at a time like this. Pray! Exercise if possible, Stay active. Even if its walking in place in your living room, in your own yard or street. Eat well. Avoid caffeine if you are anxious. Everyone can benefit from drinking more water! Pray! Be aware of the material you read and shows you watch, it can impact anxiety and depression greatly. Deep Breathe: Slow deep inhales through your nose and slowly blowing out through pursed lips. Relax your tongue. Often when we are stressed we clench our teeth and jaws. Pay attention is your tongue pressed behind your teeth or on the roof of your mouth? Relax it and try to focus on keeping your tongue resting it will decrease facial tension immediately.
Please watch your use of alcohol and other substances. During this stressful time it is common for people to escape or cope with substances. Please be careful. As this is the most unhealthy way to get through these times. Although it may offer relief for a few minutes or hours, the long term effects may not be worth the brief benefit you believe you are getting.
Lastly PLEASE limit your exposure to News and Social Media! I find the clients that are struggling the most right now are the causing some of their problems by overconsuming information. Yes knowledge is power and it would be negligent not to stay informed. I recommend NO MORE than 1 hour of COVID-19 related information a day. Ideally 10 minutes, 3x’s a day. Morning, afternoon and evening if you must. WE BECOME WHAT WE CONSUME.
Remember this is a time for us to show who we are as individuals and a community. Take care of Others and yourselves. We are all in this together. If you need to talk to a professional Help is available! All mental health professionals are offering help Via Video or phone during this pandemic. Do not hesitate to reach out, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! www.chtistiancareconnection.com (517) 486-4005
An e-mail from Pastor Leking
Monday, March 23, 2020
If you ever think you don’t matter, think again. What each of us does at this time affects someone else, as well as ourselves. It affects our future. Unless it is of an essential nature, doctors are imploring us to remain at home and social distance. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t care for others. It’s quite the opposite. We need to make wise and healthy decisions. It is with this spirit that I would like to share the following:
. Since we won’t be having any activities at the church buildings, Immanuel and St. Paul won’t be sending out an April newsletter.
. Instead of taking time to read a newsletter, take the time to pray for others. Pray for the front line medical workers. Pray for first responders. Pray for the vulnerable. Pray for your family. Knowing that others are praying for us and that we are praying for them keeps us connected.
. If you know of someone who has a dire need, such as food. Please let me know.
. Gloria Morrison from Christian Care Connection Counseling and I have been in conversation about the mental, emotional and spiritual strain this crisis has had upon people. She will be sharing coping resources with me and I will share them with you by the end of the week.
. If you have any personal protective masks from work or from projects around home, please let me know. I can find a use for them in the medical community.
. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. My contact info is: Pastor Gary Leking 517-673-0370 or lekingfarms@aol.com
. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 .
Lent ALL LENTEN SERVICES AND BREAKFASTS HAVE BEEN SUSPEND
Community Lenten and World Day of Prayer Breakfasts
Throughout Lent and the Friday World Day of Prayer, Community Breakfasts are
being offered by area churches. Below is the schedule.
9:30 AM Thursday, Feb. 27--Lenten Community Breakfast
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blissfield, will host Lenten Breakfast
9:30 AM Friday, March 6--World Day of Prayer Breakfast
Light of Christ Church, Blissfield, will host Community World Day
of Prayer Breakfast
9:30 AM Thursday, March 12-- Lenten Community Breakfast
First Presbyterian Church, Blissfield, will host Lenten Breakfast
9:30 AM Thursday, March 19--Lenten Community Breakfast
First United Methodist Church, Blissfield, will host Lenten Breakfast
9:30 AM Thursday, March 26--Lenten Community Breakfast
Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Blissfield, will host Lenten Breakfast